These little gems are inspired by the Zucchini and Corn Cakes served at China Doll, the iconic pan Asian restaurant in Woolloomolloo, Sydney. With crunchy outer and soft cakey centres, they were very more-ish served with Chilli Coriander Sambal. I was bowled away by how good they were and I thought to myself, they shouldn’t be too hard to recreate. And here we are.
While the following recipe is not the original one( it’s probably a closely guarded secret just like the formula for Coke), the taste is pretty close to the ones at China Doll. They are naturally sweet from the corn, lightly spiced with turmeric and paprika and a hint of coriander and dill . If you don’t like either herbs, you can substitute it with any herb of your choice. They are specially tasty dunked in sweet chilli sauce or the spicier sambal and washed down with a cold beverage!
While you’re here, here’s my review of the wonderful China Doll Restaurant in Wooloomooloo.
What you need to make Zucchini & Corn Cakes
- Corn – I use canned corn , 1 each of corn kernels for texture and creamed corn for taste.
- Zucchini – Grated and salted with the excess water squeezed out.
- Fridge Pantry Staples – Self Raising Flour,Egg,Turmeric,Paprika, Salt and Pepper, Chopped herbs of your choice (fresh or dried) and Cooking Oil for frying.
Easy does it..simple
- Grate the zucchini. Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Use a clean tea towel or chux wipes to squeeze out the water, then place in a mixing bowl
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the zucchini and mix everything together.
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Drop spoons-full of the batter into hot oil in a pan, about four or more depending on the size of the pan.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel when cooked through and golden.
- Serve with sweet chilli sauce or chilli sambal.